Sharing our lives with our four-footed companions as well as other pets teach kindness and compassion to us all, and especially our children.

Weve shared our lives with numerous animals through the years, and as Ive watched my son grow, I know his kind and considerate nature is due in large part to the pets weve enjoyed. Not only do our pets exude warmth and unconditional love, but they take us out of ourselves with a soft nudge for attention, or a happy bark inviting us to play Frisbee out in the fresh air.

I remember as a child waking up to a tiny black puppy licking my face. My parents had purchased a small, mixed breed dog for my sister and I and we adored him with all our hearts. He was so car sick during the ride home, combined with his various other quirks, that my Mom had said, My goodness, you seem to be a bundle of Troubles. The name stuck and his nickname soon became Trubby. My Dad called him the best shortstop hed ever seen because he could catch the line drives my father threw against the low rock wall with ease no matter how fast and furious they came in his direction. As with any family, we had our share of emotional turmoil. It was Trubbys loving and affectionate nature that helped to smooth over the jagged edges of my childhood.

Our pets can speed our healing physically as well as emotionally. Just the other day, when Id come down with the flu, my Australian shepherd named Jesse stayed on or near my bedside, waiting patiently for me to recover. Just having his warm, soft fur alongside me seemed to ease my discomfort.

There have been many a time when lifes harsh realities have impinged on the otherwise peaceful atmosphere in our home. But through our animal companions steadfast love and devotion, weve been guided to a peaceful resolution.

Our lives are immeasurably enriched by our animal companions. Could it be theyre really angels in disguise?